Information on Horse Tails

Anatomy

• Horse tails are made up of two basic parts: the dock and the skirt. The dock is the part of the tail that connects to the rest of the horse's body. In actuality, it is an extension of the horse's spinal column. Horse tails contain an average of 18 vertebrae -- some horses may have more, while others may have fewer. These vertebrae get progressively smaller, with the last one ending in a point. At the end of these vertebrae hang the skirts of the horse tails; these are the long, flowing parts of the tails that many people assume are made of silky hair. Instead, tail hairs are made of a protein called keratin, a form of the same material that makes up human fingernails. In horses, these strands of keratin comprise three layers: an inner core, a middle layer of cortex and an outer layer known as the cuticle. It is the middle layer that governs whether a horse tail will be straight or curly, silky or coarse.

Communication

• Horse tails are a vital part of the animals' ability to communicate with each other as well as with humans. A slightly raised tail, in conjunction with pricked ears, is often a horse's way of alerting its herd to possible danger. A mare in heat may lift her tail high and to the side to signal to a stallion her readiness to reproduce. And like many other animals, horses will put their tails between their legs as signs of submission and fear. Human companions who pay attention to their horses' tails may notice that a side-to-side swish is a clue to agitation or displeasure, while a stiff tail might indicate anger (if the rump muscles are also tightened) or even stomach discomfort.

Health

• The condition of the hair on horse tails can be another indicator of horses' health. Shiny hair is a marker of good health, but if the tail hairs seem dull or brittle or begin to fall out, it may mean some dietary changes are in order. It could be an early sign of disease as well, so horses whose manes and tails suddenly become dull and scraggly should be checked by a veterinarian as a precaution.

Grooming

• Cleanliness is important in order for horse tails to look good and function properly, but it is neither necessary nor recommended to wash them every day. Doing so can strip away the natural oils, so many groomers and trainers recommend washing horse tails only as necessary, or about once a month. Regular brushing or combing keeps the hairs healthy and shiny in between washes. Start at the ends and work your way up, dealing with one-inch sections at a time. Fan out the hairs and brush or comb out all of the tangles in that section, then move up to the next until the entire tail is smooth. Beware of plastic combs or brushes, which can damage the hair. When you do need to wash horse tails, use a mild shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Extras

• Some horse owners like to modify the natural look of their horse's tail, especially if they intend to show the horse. Braiding is one option, but another common practice is "banging" horse tails, or cutting them straight across. This look is popular in dressage events, and supporters say it lends the tail a polished look. And for owners who feel their horses' tails need even more help, there are products such as tail wraps and tail extensions.